Coastal Classic Train : Credit Riley Stefano
Freedom of Choice
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Signature Grand Alaska by Rail
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Coastal Classic Train : Credit Riley Stefano
Coastal Classic Train | Credit: Riley Stefano
Kenai Fjords Cruise | Credit: Pursuit
Denali
Glacier Discovery Train | Credit: Jonathan Fischer
Prince William Sound | Credit: Travel Alaska / Chris McLennan
Redoubt Bay | Credit: Travel Alaska / Chris McLennan
Alaska

Signature Grand Alaska by Rail (Tour code: 12510)

Starts and Ends
Anchorage to
Fairbanks
Travel Periods
17 May 25 - 12 Sep 25
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Holiday Packages
Experience the best of Alaska on this unforgettable rail and coach journey. Travel in luxury aboard the Alaska Railroad, enjoy thrilling excursions like glacier cruises and bear viewing, and explore top destinations at a relaxed pace. This is the ultimate Alaskan adventure!

Highlights

Embark on a breathtaking ride aboard the Coastal Classic Train in a Goldstar Railcar from Anchorage to Seward

Explore Kenai Fjords National Park on an all-day cruise, venturing deeper into the park than other tours to witness the Northwestern Fjord

Delight in a journey into the world of Alaska's glaciers, boarding the 26 Glacier Cruise in Whittier

Experience the thrill of observing bears in their natural habitat during a fly-in bear viewing excursion

Soar above the Alaskan wilderness with a small-group flightseeing tour from Talkeetna, providing breathtaking views of Denali and a glacier landing experience

10 days
From
AUD 13,070
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

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Overview

This classic Alaskan tour offers an immersive experience, exploring the state’s most famous destinations by both bus and the iconic Alaska Railroad. Begin your journey in Anchorage and travel south to Seward, where towering glaciers meet the sea. Enjoy a range of thrilling excursions from wildlife cruises in Kenai Fjords to kayaking. Along the way, experience the luxury of the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar service, with panoramic views, onboard meals, and attentive service as you glide through breathtaking landscapes.

Next, venture to the heart of Alaska with a visit to Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak and an abundance of wildlife, including grizzly bears, caribou, and wolves. Choose from a guided Tundra Wilderness Tour or a Jeep self-drive experience, or even upgrade to a helicopter flight over Denali’s glaciers. Continue your journey north to Fairbanks, where you’ll delve into Alaska’s Gold Rush history and embark on a classic sternwheeler river cruise.

This well-paced tour ensures you’ll have time to savour Alaska’s dramatic natural beauty without rushing. Each stop along the way offers unique experiences, from glacier hiking and bear viewing to exploring remote rivers and valleys. Travel by rail through some of the world’s most scenic landscapes, all while enjoying the comfort and luxury of GoldStar service, with access to glass-dome windows, an outdoor viewing platform, and gourmet onboard dining.

Inclusions

4 nights in Anchorage at the Hotel Captain Cook
2 nights in Seward at the Seward Windsong Lodge
1 night in Talkeetna at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge
2 nights in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodge
Alaska Railroad (Coastal Classic) Anchorage to Seward GoldStar Service
Alaska Railroad (Denali Star) from Anchorage to Talkeetna GoldStar Service
Alaska Railroad (Denali Star) from Talkeetna to Denali Goldstar Service
Alaska Railroad (Denali Star) from Denali to Fairbanks GoldStar Service
Alaska Railroad (Glacier Discovery) from Anchorage to Whittier Adventure Class
Day tour Seward to Anchorage with lunch
Northwestern Fjord Cruise with breakfast & lunch
Aerial tram ride to the peak of Alyeska
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre Admission
Prince William Sound 26 Glacier Cruise with Lunch
Fly-in Bear Viewing Safari with lunch
Denali Flightseeing with Glacier Landing
Freedom of Choice Days
Freedom of Choice

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day, as follows:

  • One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 2
  • One "Freedom of Choice" tour on day 9

Expand the itinerary below for more details.

Please note, if more than one room is selected during the booking process, our team will contact you afterwards to discuss options.

Rail Onboard Alaska Railroad (Coastal Classic) - GoldStar Service

Coastal Classic Train is ranked by the National Geographic Traveler among their Top Ten Train Rides in North America. A convenient round-trip schedule and picturesque landscapes along the route make the Coastal Classic Train a local favourite.

Onboard Alaska Railroad (Coastal Classic) - GoldStar Service
Coastal Classic Train | Credit: Glenn Aronwits

Rail Onboard Alaska Railroad (Glacier Discovery) - Adventure Class

Glacier Discovery Train only offers the adventure class. These single-level railcars with a shared vista dome have high ceilings, large windows, as well as a truly surprising amount of legroom. Most seats recline and have footrests.

Onboard Alaska Railroad (Glacier Discovery) - Adventure Class
Adventure Class | Credit: Michael W Sullivan

Rail Onboard Alaska Railroad (Denali Star) - GoldStar Service

Denali Star Train is Alaska Railroad's flagship train, it features large curved glass windows that run the full length of the car, allowing excellent 360-degree viewing plus a private outdoor viewing deck. The full-service dining room can be found on the lower level.

Onboard Alaska Railroad (Denali Star) - GoldStar Service
Alaska Railroad GoldStar Service | Credit: Travel Alaska

Day 1 Anchorage

Upon arrival in Anchorage transfer independantly to your hotel, the rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the sights.

Overnight in Anchorage at the Hotel Captain Cook.

Anchorage
Anchorage | Credit: Visit Anchorage

Day 2 Anchorage Seward

Board the Coastal Classic Train in the Goldstar Railcar for a breathtaking ride to Seward. This scenic journey takes you along Cook Inlet and into the glacier-filled Chugach Mountains. Breakfast onboard will be served.

This afternoon personalize your excursion by choosing one of the two Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight in Seward at the Seward Windsong Lodge.

Breakfast


Freedom of Choice Options

  • Bear Lake Kayak:

    Kayak or canoe on this scenic local lake with fun-loving guides. Bear Lake is located just outside Seward, Alaska and normally offers flat calm waters, and a home for Sockeye salmon. On the way there is a stop to visit the salmon weir and learn about their life cycle. Eagles, loons, and bears are often seen while on this adventure.
     

OR

  • Exit Glacier Hike:

    This moderate hiking adventure is great for viewing the jewel of the Resurrection River Valley - Exit Glacier. This massive wall of blue ice descends the mountainside from the Harding Ice Field, down to the Resurrection River.

OR

  • Tonsina Point Resurrection Bay Kayaking Adventure:

    Resurrection Bay is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and home to several Alaska state parks that offer abundant opportunities to hike, sea kayak and explore!

Anchorage → Seward
Coastal Classic Train | Credit: Glenn Aronwits

Day 3 Seward

Today, take an all-day Kenai Fjords Cruise. Travel farther into Kenai Fjords National Park than with any other cruise and visit the magnificent Northwestern Fjord, home to three amazing tidewater glaciers, numerous alpine glaciers and marine wildlife like Stellar sea lions, seals, humpbacks, orcas and otters. A continental breakfast and deli-style lunch will be served onboard.

Overnight stay in Seward at the Seward Windsong Lodge.

Breakfast, Lunch
Seward
Kenai Fjords Cruise | Credit: Pursuit

Day 4 Seward Anchorage

Begin your adventure with a short and easy walk to see views of Exit Glacier. Next, visit the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Centre which provides care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wildlife. Here you can safely observe and photograph some of Alaska’s largest land animals including moose, bison, elk, deer, caribou, bears and muskox. Take an aerial tram up Alyeska Mountain for views of Turnagain Arm, up to seven “hanging” glaciers and the endless peaks of the Chugach Mountain Range, then continue to Anchorage to arrive late afternoon. 

Overnight in Anchorage at the Hotel Captain Cook.

Lunch
Seward → Anchorage
Alyeska Resort Girdwood | Credit: Travel Alaska

Day 5 Anchorage

Depart Anchorage on Alaska Railroad for an adventure into the exciting world of Alaska’s glaciers. In Whittier, board the 26 Glacier Cruise and venture deep into Prince William Sound, finding yourself so close to glaciers that you can “hear” them move and gaze at their brilliant blue hues. Discover several types of glaciers including Alpine hanging, Piedmont and Tidewater, plus watch for glacier calvings (broken pieces of ice that have fallen into the water and become icebergs). Back in Whittier, board Alaska Railroad’s Glacier Discovery Train for the final leg of the tour to Anchorage. 

Overnight in Anchorage at the Hotel Captain Cook.

Lunch
Anchorage
Prince William Sound | Credit: Travel Alaska / Chris McLennan

Day 6 Anchorage

Experience an unforgettable half-day guided tour to witness Alaska’s black and brown bears in their natural habitat. Your adventure begins with a scenic float plane flight from Anchorage, taking you southwest to one of several prime bear-viewing locations - Redoubt Bay, Katmai National Park, Lake Clark, or Chinitna Bay - depending on the season and where the bears are actively foraging for food. Once there, you’ll have the rare opportunity to observe Alaska’s magnificent brown bears up close as they fish, forage, and interact in their untouched environment.

Overnight in Anchorage at the Hotel Captain Cook.

Anchorage
Black Bear near Redoubt Bay | Credit: Travel Alaska | Chris McLennan

Day 7 Anchorage Talkeetna

Depart early on the Denali Star Train by Goldstar Railcar to Talkeetna, best known as a base camp for climbers attempting Mount Denali and for the stunning views of this famous mountain. Take a stroll down the main street for river views, local brews and great eats. This afternoon view Denali from the air on this small-group flight over the Alaskan wilderness. Soar over rivers, valleys, and glaciers, and experience landing and walking on a glacier. 

Overnight in Talkeetna at the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.

Breakfast
Anchorage → Talkeetna
Mount Denali

Day 8 Talkeetna Denali

This morning take the Denali Star, Alaska Railroad’s flagship train, in the Goldstar Railcar to Denali National Park. The afternoon is open for optional activities such as whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the Park, landing on a glacier or hiking.

Overnight in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodge.

Lunch
Talkeetna → Denali
Alaska Railroad | Credit: Glenn Aronwits

Day 9 Denali

Time to explore the city! Personalize your day by choosing one of the two Freedom of Choice options below.

Overnight in Denali at the Grande Denali Lodge.


Freedom of Choice Options

  • Denali Highway Jeep Excursion:

    Ranked #2 in Drives of a Lifetime by National Geographic Traveler magazine, experience the natural wonders of Alaska’s Denali Highway — this time by Jeep! This 4-hour guided excursion travels along a 135 mi (217 km) gravel road & takes you off the beaten path in a 4 x 4 to enjoy scenic views of Denali, the Alaska Range, glaciers and wildlife.

OR

  • Tundra Wilderness Tour:

    This half-day tour offers incredible scenery, a narrated history of the park road and opportunities to view the park’s wildlife inhabitants. Picturesque highlights include the craggy cliffside of Cathedral Mountain, the wildlife-rich Sable Pass and the braided wash of the East Fork River in Denali National Park.

Denali
Denali Highway | Credit: State of Alaska | Michael DeYoung

Day 10 Denali Fairbanks

This morning is at leisure to enjoy optional activities such as whitewater rafting down the Nenana River, helicopter flightseeing over the park, landing on a glacier or hiking. By early afternoon, board Alaska Railroad’s Denali Star Train in the Goldstar Railcar to Fairbanks. Enjoy the late afternoon scenery as you travel north to Fairbanks where your incredible Alaskan adventure ends.

Dinner
Denali → Fairbanks
Gold Star Service Panoramic Viewing | Credit: Glenn Aronwits

Accommodation

Grande Denali Lodge

Denali National Park
The Grande Denali Lodge on Sugarloaf Mountain is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind.  The interior design highlights the Alaska Native Heritage of its owners while it offers panoramic views of the surrounding Denali wilderness and the Nenana River canyon. You'll find the lodge is a very special place where you can truly relax, meet friends, share a meal, or simply take in the beauty all around you. Grande Denali Lodge offers spacious guest rooms with canyon or hillside views and a selection of Alaskan-style cabins with a range of creature comforts. Our Alpenglow Restaurant features New American cuisine with a focus on fresh Alaskan seafood and tender, all-natural meats combined with seasonal fruits and vegetables. 

Hotel Captain Cook

Anchorage
Located in the heart of downtown Anchorage, this hotel is a perfect basecamp for adventure, offering the best cultural, retail and natural highlights just steps from your door. Indulge in one of their four distinctive restaurants, shop for gifts or unique souvenirs in their12 shops or take in the views of neighbouring Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains from any one of their 546 rooms and suites. Amenities include centralized air conditioning, open ceiling fan and windows, blackout drapes, in-room safety, complimentary Wi-Fi, hypoallergenic bedding available upon request, and access to the Athletic Clubs.

Seward Windsong Lodge

Seward
Set alongside the Resurrection River, on the edge of Chugach National Forest near the Exit Glacier. Windsong Lodge is a tranquil retreat designed to showcase Alaska’s wild beauty. While the bustling port of Seward and vast protected expanses of Kenaj Fjords National Park are mere minutes away, Windsong’s peaceful setting and unique dining experiences offer a quiet and cosy escape after an exhilarating day of exploration. Our contemporary Alaskan-inspired guest rooms and suites feature a private ensuite, hair dryer, coffee maker, refrigerator, flat-screen television, telephone, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge

Talkeetna
Set on a ridge just above the town of  Talkeetna, the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge offers majestic views of the tallest peak in North America. It’s the best of Alaska, outside and in. Outside, we’re at the doorstep for high-energy outdoor adventures in Denali and beyond. Inside, there’s a crackling fire in a giant river rock fireplace, and a carefully-curated selection of Native art in the boutique. Award-winning cuisine, the best wine selection in the area, friendly service—and a great night’s sleep! All rooms feature a full private bath, hair dryer, coffee maker, refrigerator, satellite television, telephone, and wireless internet.

Additional information

Official language
English
Local currency
USD

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
  • Tips or gratuities to guides, drivers, porters, hotel, restaurant or boat staff, etc.
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
  • Gratuities, optional excursions, and transfers 

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

Entire Travel Group is celebrating over 50 years of passionately delivering unique and memorable travel experiences. We are an Australian, family-owned, award-winning business with a friendly team ready to match your expectations to the perfect holiday experience.

Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - Entire Travel Group.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

Is Entire Travel Group Australian owned and operated?

Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

Are the Entire Travel Group holiday packages exclusive?

In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

  • They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
  • Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
  • We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
  • Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
  • They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
  • A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

At Entire Travel Group, our focus is Independent Holiday Packages. Available daily, they are pre-designed, purpose built, packaged itineraries full of memorable experiences delivered by our hand-picked local partners.

Our holidays suit every demographic, from couples to singles, to retirees to families and everyone else in between.

Why travel with Entire Travel Group?

Of Entire Travel Group's attributes, we have settled on "When Experience Matters" as the quality we believe adds the most value to our customers. We have the experience to ensure your itinerary makes the dream holiday possible. Our continually enhanced technology allows our team to provide a quality customer service experience, and our partnerships with outstanding operators ensure we are confident of the on-ground experience for our customers.

For more details please visit - About Us | Entire Travel Group

How does the Peace of Mind Booking Plan work?

Our Peace of Mind Booking Plan allows you to book with confidence in the new international travel environment. With low deposits, a cooling off period and a flexibility period where you can cancel and rebook later, we really do have you covered.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

Is there a cooling-off period?

Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

  • We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
  • You may cancel for any reason within 7 days, where you will receive a 100% refund of your $100 per person deposit.

For more details please visit - Peace of Mind Booking Plan | Entire Travel Group

What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

  • Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
  • The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

For more details please visit - Freedom of Choice | Entire Travel Group

What is Book Now?

Book Now offers you the ability to make a reservation on our website for Holiday Packages that include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan. But it’s not just a static offer – you have complete flexibility from travel dates, passenger numbers, single supplements, room upgrades, optional extras, flexible booking terms and more.

  • Our team will contact our overseas suppliers and confirm all arrangements.
  • A Confirmation from our reservation system will be sent in the coming days.
  • The Booking Number on this confirmation supersedes the website reference.

What forms of payment can be used at Entire Travel Group?

  • To confirm a booking using our on-line Book Now process, a credit card must be used to pay the refundable deposit.
  • For additional payments on the booking, Entire Travel Group supports bank transfer, credit card, TravelPay B2B, PaymentGate.
  • For further details please visit our Payments page.

How secure is the Entire Travel Group's on-line payment portal?

  • Entire Travel Group have partnered with TravelPay to ensure secure on-line credit card payments.
  • TravelPay is a level 1 PCI DSS compliant, which gives you peace of mind that your payment card data is in safe hands.
  • Entire Travel Group does not store any credit card information.

For more details please visit - Security and Compliance - TravelPay

Can you book my international airfares?

On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

We found that many customers may prefer to:

  • Travel on a specific airline of their choice
  • Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
  • Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
  • Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
  • Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

Should I take travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

What should I do before travelling?

Before you travel it is your responsibility to ensure you have the appropriate documentation including visas. If you are travelling on a passport other than Australian or New Zealand, you will require a permit to re-enter Australia. It is your responsibility as the traveller and/or travel booker to meet all government entry requirements.

For more information please visit - Before you travel | Entire Travel Group

How does a Travel Agent make a booking?

Please visit the Entire Travel Group's Agent Portal. We are here to support our industry partners with a range of informative updates, marketing collateral for campaigns and a reward & recognition program.

How do I start a Booking?

  • On any page that has Book Now simply follow the booking process.
  • You must select the Travel Agent tick box and provide correct details.
  • To confirm a booking only the refundable deposit is required.
  • An agency credit card must be used for this initial payment.

How do I contact Entire Travel Group?

For more information please visit - Contact us | Entire Travel Group

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